Can Barcelona Match a 12-Year-Old La Liga Record?

Following a three-week international break where their stars were scattered across the globe, Barcelona return to La Liga action today against Getafe. The visitors are notoriously stubborn opponents who turn every fixture into a grueling battle, but the Catalans are determined to maintain their commanding supremacy at the top of the table.

The fixture list thrusts them back into the routine of club football, and while hitting top gear immediately after an international hiatus is never guaranteed, Barcelona's squad is firmly dialed in. They will be eager to preserve the imperious form that defined the opening stretch of the campaign: seven wins from seven matches and an astonishing 31 goals scored.

Without Raphinha, who has been an inspired talisman in front of goal, but with Gabriel Jesus facing his first major test as a starter and Joan García back between the sticks, Barcelona are looking to do more than just protect top spot. They are out to extend an incredible home run, having not dropped a single point on home turf since the opening round of last season.

That immaculate streak stands at 22 consecutive home wins. Victory over José Bordalás' side—who has been lavish in his praise for the league leaders—would also see Barcelona match the best start to a league campaign in club history, set under Gerardo Martino in 2013/14. The Argentine manager, who faced undue scrutiny at the time, kicked off with eight straight wins and kept his team unbeaten through the first 15 rounds.

The opportunity to equal that milestone coincides with another lopsided historical trend: Getafe have never won in 21 away trips to Barcelona, walking away with 17 defeats and just four draws.

This is a clash between two sides in starkly contrasting situations. While the Blaugrana boast an embarrassment of riches, Getafe sit 11th with eight points and a mere four goals to their name—none of which have come on the road. Only 19th-placed Valencia and bottom club Málaga, who have played a game more, share such a meager tally. Getafe have relied entirely on two narrow 1-0 victories and a pair of draws to build their points haul.

Despite losing top scorer Raphinha to injury—the Brazilian having netted 12 times and opened the scoring in five of the club's eight competitive outings—Hansi Flick still has plenty of firepower to field a formidable starting eleven.

The German tactician could stick with his regular starters with minor rotations or opt for more substantial changes. Joan García is expected to replace Dominik Livaković in goal after the Croatian started against Sevilla. Gabriel Jesus is also in line for a starting berth, having already notched two goals in just 41 minutes of playing time.

Aside from minor fitness concerns surrounding the Brazilian, Barcelona have navigated the dreaded "FIFA virus" relatively unscathed, avoiding major casualties during the international window.

A punishing schedule now awaits the Catalans. After Getafe, they fly to Istanbul to face Galatasaray in the Champions League before heading to Seville to take on Real Betis. A high-profile European clash against Paris Saint-Germain follows shortly after, all leading into El Clásico on October 25.

Getafe head into the clash in high spirits following a solid start to the campaign despite working with a limited squad. Crucially, all five of their internationals have returned in full health, including forward Martín Satriano.